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Hello, I am looking for some advice on my chances and what else I can do to improve. I am a California resident and an ORM. I am reposting as I secured a new job and am looking for more opinions.
GPA: GPA/Hours (this is my BCPM gpa, my everything else included cgpa is very close to this one, 3.04).
A little background: I was just an unfocused student and a majority of my bad grades are from community college (almost 10 years ago now). I started turning it around in senior year at my state school (a UC) and then maintained a 4.0 during my 60 credit hour post-bacc (upper division science classes only).
MCAT:
My first attempt in 2022 was a 509 (126/128/127/128)
Second attempt in 2023 was a 513 (127/126/131/129)
Legitimately considering retaking because I was scoring 517+ on my practice exams, and I feel I can do much better.
Non-clinical volunteering:
- Big Brothers/Sisters of America since 2019 (mentoring a child from a rough background) ~ should have roughly 700+ hours by the time the 2024 app cycle rolls around
- School on Wheels (weekly tutoring of disadvantaged children) - should have ~ 50 hours by June 2024
- Homeless shelter volunteer - haven't officially started this yet but anticipating ~ 100 hours by June 2024
Clinical:
Health Scholar at local hospital (similar to MA) ~ 180 hours
Research assistant for my alma mater's SOM where we worked on opening a free clinic ~ 120 hours (poster pub)
NEW: I started a full time scribe job and should have 500+ hours by the time the application cycle opens in June of 2024
Other Hobbies:
- Piano since age 17
- Gardening for a few years now
- Big on reading
I have 3 great science professors who wrote me letters in my previous cycle and will do it again. I also have a letter from my supervisor from Big Brothers/Sisters. I should be able to get a letter from the doctor I am currently working with as well. I feel foolish applying previously. I think that was a mistake and I should have waited until I scored higher on the MCAT, but it is what it is. I am hoping to go MD so trying to maximize my chances there (nothing against DO).
I'm looking to get advice on my application and what parts should I work to improve. Is retaking the MCAT a good idea/necessary? Should I delay my application another year so I can have more on my resume? I was also looking into doing a MPH starting this summer (out of personal interest mostly). The program would end summer 2025 so in theory I can finish before matriculating if I applied this year.
I appreciate all the help and insights! Thank you in advance!
GPA: GPA/Hours (this is my BCPM gpa, my everything else included cgpa is very close to this one, 3.04).
A little background: I was just an unfocused student and a majority of my bad grades are from community college (almost 10 years ago now). I started turning it around in senior year at my state school (a UC) and then maintained a 4.0 during my 60 credit hour post-bacc (upper division science classes only).
MCAT:
My first attempt in 2022 was a 509 (126/128/127/128)
Second attempt in 2023 was a 513 (127/126/131/129)
Legitimately considering retaking because I was scoring 517+ on my practice exams, and I feel I can do much better.
Non-clinical volunteering:
- Big Brothers/Sisters of America since 2019 (mentoring a child from a rough background) ~ should have roughly 700+ hours by the time the 2024 app cycle rolls around
- School on Wheels (weekly tutoring of disadvantaged children) - should have ~ 50 hours by June 2024
- Homeless shelter volunteer - haven't officially started this yet but anticipating ~ 100 hours by June 2024
Clinical:
Health Scholar at local hospital (similar to MA) ~ 180 hours
Research assistant for my alma mater's SOM where we worked on opening a free clinic ~ 120 hours (poster pub)
NEW: I started a full time scribe job and should have 500+ hours by the time the application cycle opens in June of 2024
Other Hobbies:
- Piano since age 17
- Gardening for a few years now
- Big on reading
I have 3 great science professors who wrote me letters in my previous cycle and will do it again. I also have a letter from my supervisor from Big Brothers/Sisters. I should be able to get a letter from the doctor I am currently working with as well. I feel foolish applying previously. I think that was a mistake and I should have waited until I scored higher on the MCAT, but it is what it is. I am hoping to go MD so trying to maximize my chances there (nothing against DO).
I'm looking to get advice on my application and what parts should I work to improve. Is retaking the MCAT a good idea/necessary? Should I delay my application another year so I can have more on my resume? I was also looking into doing a MPH starting this summer (out of personal interest mostly). The program would end summer 2025 so in theory I can finish before matriculating if I applied this year.
I appreciate all the help and insights! Thank you in advance!
